Description
Creamy Lasagna Soup
This creamy lasagna soup is a comforting, deconstructed twist on the classic Italian favorite. It’s loaded with all the cheesy, meaty, and savory goodness you love, all in one cozy bowl!
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
1 lb ground sausage or beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup marinara sauce
6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
For the Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Meat:
In a large pot, cook the ground sausage or beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté until fragrant.
Build the Broth:
Stir in the broth, marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and let them simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Creaminess:
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then fold in the fresh spinach. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Add the Cheese:
Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup for extra richness.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping!
Pro Tip: Want even more flavor? Add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of each bowl!
This Creamy Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave comfort food. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped (onion diced, garlic minced, noodles broken). In your large pot, thoroughly brown the meat over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. This builds a flavorful fond. Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Next, add the broth, marinara, and dried herbs. Scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the browned bits. Bring to a boil before adding the noodle pieces; this ensures they cook evenly. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente. Finally, reduce heat to low before adding the cream and spinach to prevent curdling.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a meal in itself but is elevated with the right sides. Serve it in deep, wide bowls to accommodate all the toppings. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread or breadsticks is essential for dipping. For a fresh contrast, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Consider setting out small bowls of extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and a dollop of whole-milk ricotta for guests to customize their bowl.
How-to Summary
Brown meat with aromatics. Add broth, sauce, and herbs, then bring to a boil. Add broken lasagna noodles and simmer until tender. Reduce heat, stir in cream and spinach. Finish by melting in half the cheeses. Serve topped with remaining cheese and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, but for best texture, prepare the soup up to adding the cream, spinach, and cheese. Store the base separately. Reheat gently and add the cream, spinach, and cheeses just before serving.
How can I make this soup lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour. You can also use ground turkey and low-fat cheeses.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? It’s not recommended. No-boil noodles are designed to absorb specific moisture levels in baked dishes and may become too mushy or thicken the soup excessively.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I freeze this soup? Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy (cream) and pasta, which can separate and become grainy or overly soft upon thawing and reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cream at a boil: Always reduce heat to low before adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cook noodles just to al dente in the soup, as they will continue to soften with residual heat.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: These often contain anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. For smoothest melting, shred cheese from a block.
- Not breaking the noodles: Breaking them ensures easy eating and even cooking throughout the pot.
- Skipping the fond: Failing to scrape the browned bits from the pot after browning the meat loses a layer of deep flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lasagna Soup masterfully captures the essence of the classic baked dish in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup. It’s the ultimate flexible comfort food, easily adapted to your preferences while delivering that signature, satisfying blend of savory meat, rich tomatoes, tender pasta, and melted cheese. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy meal that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Dig in and enjoy the cozy, delicious simplicity.